High caffeine, high sugar energy drinks have traditionally appealed to consumers with promises for a quick energy boost and enhanced mental focus among busy Americans. However, given warnings by the FDA over the safety of high doses of caffeine and its effects (in addition to concerns over sugar consumption), some energy drink manufacturers have seen overall sales start to slow.
Categories: Improving Nutrition, Beverages, Whey Protein Isolate
As U.S. consumers trends continue to shift away from the traditional diet approach of eating three square meals each day, snack food sales have really taken off. Increasingly, consumers look for convenient, functional and better-for-you snack options that are better suited for their busy schedules. And while snack food sales in every category are up across the board, the savory snacks category has seen considerable growth over the past few years and now makes up 40% of snack sales in North America.
Categories: Improving Nutrition, Crunchy Snacks & Snacking
Grocers and convenience stores are expanding their beverage aisles. With consumers becoming more and more health-conscious, it should come as no surprise that the sports drink industry has seen considerable growth. The U.S. sports drink market reached $852 million in 2017 is expected to grow to more than $1135 million by the end of 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% and far outpacing earlier predictions.
Categories: Improving Nutrition, Beverages
When most people hear the words, “whey protein,” the first thing that likely comes to mind is giant tubs of protein powder used by bodybuilders and athletes to refuel and recover after a long workout. Despite its rigid perception as a workout supplement, however, whey protein has many benefits that extend beyond its use in the realm of fitness.
Not only is it known to help with weight management and muscle growth, it’s even been known to reduce the effects of aging! To help you learn more about whey protein’s unique benefits, we’ll take a look at some factors that contribute to aging and share examples of how it can be used to promote growing old gracefully.
Categories: Whey Protein Ingredients, Improving Nutrition
The move toward clean eating is gaining momentum as consumers become better educated and more conscious about the impact of artificial additives and other “bad-for-you” ingredients on their health and overall wellness. Some have noticed their trips to the grocery store and restaurants are taking just a bit longer as they scrutinize labels on products and interrogate servers about the ingredients used to prepare food.
Read MoreCategories: Reformulation, Improving Nutrition, Benefits of Whey Protein
If Pinterest is any indication, decadent Asian-style cheesecake is taking over dessert tables across America. The recipe has been pinned more than 200,000 times!
Unlike traditional cheesecake, it can be enjoyed warm or cold. Its mouthfeel is also unique, with a fluffy, souffle-like texture that still maintains a rich, creamy goodness.
Read MoreCategories: Improving Nutrition, Nutrition Applications, Frozen & Desserts
There’s been a lot of emphasis on the clean label trend as it relates to meal-time staples. There’s an increasing demand for simple, familiar and natural ingredients, and innovative food manufacturers are responding by reformulating their products to accommodate this health-conscious mindset.
Read MoreCategories: Improving Nutrition, Crunchy Snacks & Snacking
Even though the holidays are supposed to be filled with nostalgia and time spent with family and friends, 90% of Americans report being stressed during the “most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season brings with it the pressure for many to host parties and family dinners, or bring the dreaded “dish to pass.”
Read MoreCategories: Improving Nutrition, Improving Texture
Having transparency about the ingredients that make up many popular food items is a growing concern for consumers. Baby Boomers are leading the clean label trend, along with all their purchasing power. Concerns about overall health are causing consumers to take more interest in nutrition labels - and what do they want to find? Ingredients they recognize and can pronounce.
Read MoreCategories: Consumer Trends, Improving Nutrition
If there’s one thing that signals the start of fall in the U.S., it’s the introduction of seasonal pumpkin dishes and drinks at restaurants around the country. But while pumpkin has long been seen as the king of fall, quick service restaurants (QSRs) and casual dining brands are also trying to incorporate non-pumpkin flavors and trends into their fall menu offerings to entice consumers. From the flavor of caramel apples to hearty soups and sauces - even dishes with carved turkey and cranberries - plenty of new fall-themed recipes will be hitting menus in late August and early September.
Read MoreCategories: Creamy, Ingredient Replacement, Improving Nutrition, Consumer Trends